League fines players = labor negotiations

[Steve102]

The fines the NFL levies is a direct result of the labor issues the League faces. They are trying to reduce injuries in order to expand to 18 games. It's all about $$ and not about player safety. Read my article below.

The Voice of The Fan...Fanviewpoint.com: NFL Fines Are Based On Labor Issues

 

[Box_O_Rocks]

So does the decertification vote affect this labor situation?

 

[Steve102]

So does the decertification vote affect this labor situation?

Two separate issues. Decertification allows the players to sue the league in the event of a lockout, if I understand what I have read correctly.

I say the fines are the leagues attempt to go to the negotiating table and say to the players "see the changes we've made? This will help your long term health. This will allow you to play 18 games."

 

[emoney_33]

Two separate issues. Decertification allows the players to sue the league in the event of a lockout, if I understand what I have read correctly.

I say the fines are the leagues attempt to go to the negotiating table and say to the players "see the changes we've made? This will help your long term health. This will allow you to play 18 games."

Nope, the rules only "protect" the QB and WR, less than half of the total players. You are right it's about $$, but it's not about negotiating tactic for 18 games, it's about protecting their interests and increasing what sells (high octane passing games generate the most $$)

 

[Steve102]

Nope, the rules only "protect" the QB and WR, less than half of the total players. You are right it's about $$, but it's not about negotiating tactic for 18 games, it's about protecting their interests and increasing what sells (high octane passing games generate the most $$)

Well, we agree it's about $$. Mind you, the league would never admit to such a theory being true anyway. But the long term health of the glamour players is what they are looking for. I guess I am too much of a child of the Nixon administration, where everyone has an angle, everything is a conspiracy.

 

[jmt57]

The NFL is a very big business, looking to turn a profit. That tends to be overlooked by many fans who view it as strictly a competition, no different than a high school cross country meet or little league baseball game. Whether the motive has to do with labor negotiations, keeping medical costs down, protecting investments or all of those things, I think it's safe to assume that there are financial motives.

 

[emoney_33]

The NFL is a very big business, looking to turn a profit. That tends to be overlooked by many fans who view it as strictly a competition, no different than a high school cross country meet or little league baseball game. Whether the motive has to do with labor negotiations, keeping medical costs down, protecting investments or all of those things, I think it's safe to assume that there are financial motives.

Exactly. As soon as fans realize this, they'll understand that Goodell is not an irrational stupid Jets fan.

 

[Steve102]

The NFL is a very big business, looking to turn a profit. That tends to be overlooked by many fans who view it as strictly a competition, no different than a high school cross country meet or little league baseball game. Whether the motive has to do with labor negotiations, keeping medical costs down, protecting investments or all of those things, I think it's safe to assume that there are financial motives.

I think all of the above enter into the picture. For fans to think the fines are purely based on fairness of competition are looking at the big picture. It's all about the benjamins.

 

[borg]

It's all about concussions and liability. Just as MLB owners had their heads in the sand regarding steroids, the NFL has finally cast aside their yesmen doctors who ignored head trauma data. If the NFL doesn't attempt to limit concussions, a bunch of future groggy headed ex players will have case after case vs the NFL...and the NFL will lose if they don't take preventive action.

 

[TheGodInAGreyHoodie]

In part it is about money. More people want to see the match up of Manning vs. Brady than Hoyer vs. Painter.

 

[Steve102]

It's all about concussions and liability. Just as MLB owners had their heads in the sand regarding steroids, the NFL has finally cast aside their yesmen doctors who ignored head trauma data. If the NFL doesn't attempt to limit concussions, a bunch of future groggy headed ex players will have case after case vs the NFL...and the NFL will lose if they don't take preventive action.

The possibilty of a class action lawsuit certainly is a factor.

 

[JoeSixPat]

I say the fines are the leagues attempt to go to the negotiating table and say to the players "see the changes we've made? This will help your long term health. This will allow you to play 18 games."

Well, we agree it's about $$. Mind you, the league would never admit to such a theory being true anyway. But the long term health of the glamour players is what they are looking for. I guess I am too much of a child of the Nixon administration, where everyone has an angle, everything is a conspiracy.

I don't think you're all that far off... and while equal application of "safety" rules is a criticism we've already heard, let's be honest..

... how many times does one think a QB is going to make a cheap shot hit on a defender? It's the guys who have the ball who are the most likely targets for illegal hits - thus the rules "protect" the guys with the balls - WRs and QBs.. hardly a surprise.

At the very least this is posturing by the league to at least win a small PR battle in the eyes of the public.

I'm perfectly fine if they keep the season to 16 games myself as I think they'd have to expand the rosters and potentially water down the quality of the game - but I'm reminded of local teacher negotiations where the teachers stand strong against higher classroom sizes... but then when more money in salary is offered as an incentive, all of a sudden that opposition due to the quality of education disappears.

 

[Steve102]

I don't think you're all that far off... and while equal application of "safety" rules is a criticism we've already heard, let's be honest..

... how many times does one think a QB is going to make a cheap shot hit on a defender? It's the guys who have the ball who are the most likely targets for illegal hits - thus the rules "protect" the guys with the balls - WRs and QBs.. hardly a surprise.

At the very least this is posturing by the league to at least win a small PR battle in the eyes of the public.

I'm perfectly fine if they keep the season to 16 games myself as I think they'd have to expand the rosters and potentially water down the quality of the game - but I'm reminded of local teacher negotiations where the teachers stand strong against higher classroom sizes... but then when more money in salary is offered as an incentive, all of a sudden that opposition due to the quality of education disappears.

Interesting parrallel you make re: teachers and salaries. Hadn't looked at it in that light.

 

[TheComeback]

Nope, the rules only "protect" the QB and WR, less than half of the total players. You are right it's about $$, but it's not about negotiating tactic for 18 games, it's about protecting their interests and increasing what sells (high octane passing games generate the most $$)

Why can't it be both? Though you're certainly right about favoring the offense.

 

[shirtsleeve]

Nope, the rules only "protect" the QB and WR, less than half of the total players. You are right it's about $$, but it's not about negotiating tactic for 18 games, it's about protecting their interests and increasing what sells (high octane passing games generate the most $$)

I agree. If it were about an 18 game schedule or about real player safety, offensive line play would be under the same scrutiny. Cut blocks would be illegal and chop blocks would be under the same threats as head to head missle launches. They are fostering an atmosphere which feeds the mediots new stars to praise and fantasy football fanatics more to score with. It is a profound shift in the philosophy of the game and I hate every minute of it.

 

[Steve102]

It is a profound shift in the philosophy of the game and I hate every minute of it.

Oof. 'em are some big words. Profound Shift. In my conspiracy filled world, the league gets the players to go to 18 games, but backs off the questionable hits, like Pryor's, after some hand wringing and consternation of fans and media alike. This would happen probably week 2 or 3 of the new 18 game schedule. The league would get what they wanted, 18 games, the players get more money from the larger pie, and the fans WHO ARE SCREAMING FOR MORE FOOTBALL get what we wish.

Except...who is begging for more? I'm good with my current investment in the NFL, thanks. No more, please. I have to pay my light bill. (tongue firmly planted in cheek)

 

[SuperPatsFan]

You know what else causes injuries?

TACKLING.

GET RID OF IT!

p)

 

[shirtsleeve]

Oof. 'em are some big words. Profound Shift. In my conspiracy filled world, the league gets the players to go to 18 games, but backs off the questionable hits, like Pryor's, after some hand wringing and consternation of fans and media alike. This would happen probably week 2 or 3 of the new 18 game schedule. The league would get what they wanted, 18 games, the players get more money from the larger pie, and the fans WHO ARE SCREAMING FOR MORE FOOTBALL get what we wish.

Except...who is begging for more? I'm good with my current investment in the NFL, thanks. No more, please. I have to pay my light bill. (tongue firmly planted in cheek)

The entire philosophy of the defense is through intimidation and fear, instill your will on your opponent. The whole idea of throwing a ball up high in the middle of the field was unheard of. It was the surest way to get your ribs broken at best. If a qb threw one of them up to a reciever, the guy limped back in the huddle, trying to reinflate his lungs, and grabbed the qb by the facemask and threatened death if it happened again.

Same with the qb. You had three good seconds to complete the pass, scramble or take some serious punishment. QB's got rid of the ball, and saved their bodies. Its how it worked. They have taken that away, yet subject Defensive players to blown up legs every season with out even talking about it. Ask Rodney. a cut block pretty much ended him as a serious threat. Not even illegal.

There is a double standard, and until that changes, no one will convince me its for "player safety"

 

[Gwedd]

Exactly. As soon as fans realize this, they'll understand that Goodell is not an irrational stupid Jets fan.

But, he IS an irrational, stupid JETS fan. He just has the occasional moment of semi-lucidity. Goodell needs to go, and that right sooner rather than later.

 

[g-fresh]

I think you guys make a lot of good points, and I agree that the way the league is changing the way it handles hits is really being done for their own interests. There is another dynamic at play here as well, which is that they are showing that when it comes down to it, they have the power. They can control how much money they want to take away from players, and are essentially saying we are willing to deal with you, but take it to far and we will take away your income.

Also in my book you cannot pay teachers too much, as we are entrusting the minds of our children to them. They need to be held accountable and productive, but the good ones work incredibly hard for way less than they should be making.